Diabetic Day: Nasty little words or what did you say is in this ...

Diabetic Day: Nasty little words or what did you say is in this ...: Oh my goodness if it wasn't hard enough trying to eat right as a Diabetic now we have to really read food labels and know what they me...

Nasty little words or what did you say is in this product!

Oh my goodness if it wasn't hard enough trying to eat right as a Diabetic now we have to really read food labels and know what they mean.  How many times have you been to the grocery store and tried to figure out if something is sugar free, and just because it says its sugar free is it???

How many times have you tried to stay away from full of sugar full of gluten products.  Do you even know what words scream out sugar or gluten?  If not you are like most of us who are trying to get by off of the knowledge we were given in home economics in school or from shopping with our mom back in the 70's and 80's as children....even so we do have the bests tools to us and that is a mouth for questions and eyes for reading. 

So as I do all of the time I am reading on the internet and I decide to find out what those illusive words are that mean Sugar to us and Gluten to us Diabetics.  

The first thing I looked up is how to figure out if something had gluten's in it.  I came across an article by a woman who was a nutritional expert.   She began by saying that there are 6 key words we should look for when searching to see if a product that doesn't say its gluten free has in it.  Those 6 words are below.

• Wheat

• Rye

• Barley

• Oats

• Malt & Brewers Yeast

If any of the contents of a package or you find any of these words within a label then you will know they are not gluten free products.

Oats however are not gluten products unless they have been contaminated by wheat, barley, or rye products. If a product does contain wheat but only 20 parts per million it may be labeled gluten free.  Even with food products regulated by the USDA, there are very few ingredients that should cause you any concern. Modified food starch, dextrin, and starch (in USDA-regulated foods “starch” may mean corn starch or wheat starch) may give you pause if their source is not named. You may want to find another product that does not contain these ingredients or contact the manufacturer to verify gluten-free status.
Source:  http://www.glutenfreedietitian.com/newsletter/dietcom-blog-how-to-tell-if-a-food-is-gluten-free/

So here is a list of the added sugars you may find on a package label.  Remember that this does not tell you how much of these have been added and the only way to figure that out is by scanning the label to read the amounts.

• Agave nectar
• Brown sugar
• Cane crystals
• Cane sugar
• Corn sweetener
• Corn syrup
• Crystalline fructose
• Dextrose
• Evaporated cane juice
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Glucose
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Honey
• Invert sugar
• Lactose
• Maltose
• Malt syrup
• Molasses
• Raw sugar
• Sucrose
• Sugar
• Syrup

Source:  http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/added-sugar-on-food-labels/
As you begin to understand labels better shopping for Sugar free and Gluten Free products will become easier.

Going even further there are websites that help us understand what we are reading on the labels of our food and food products.  If you have a bit of difficulty I hope this article will be of some assistance.  Consumers need to understand the labels and what they are eating.  The more information the better off you are but only if you understand the labels. 

Consumers using Nurtrition Facts when making food choices a healthier option. 
Source:  http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm267499.htm

My blog today isn't tremendously long, but one thing that we gain from this one is how easy it is for us to learn for ourselves what is healthier for us to put into our bodies.  If you cant remember all of the names of things then take time make a list that you can carry with you at all times with a list to remind you what you can and cannot have on your diet.  Living healthier comes from knowledge and in most cases knowledge is free.  Take time to stay informed and information is key so share it. 

If you wish to contact me for any reason regarding a blog or question or just a chat then connect with me here at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com  We are a community so lets create our health together.

Programs to help you with Diabetic Weightloss

There is no time like the present to look into those programs out there for Diabetic Weight loss.  I myself did it on my own sticking to a rigid diet.  I went to Kmart and bought myself some super green tea triple tea formula.  I weighed 198 lbs when I started that was 8 months ago, today I weigh 164.  I still eat what I normally eat as a diabetic and it did not interfere with anything I was doing, but I spoke to the doctor about it prior to taking it. I always take specific Diabetic Supplements that are a daily part of my regiment.

Nuturna Super Supplements has been something I am looking into.  I was interested in the product when I typed in diabetic weight loss supplements and it was the first thing I saw.  So I went to the page and began reading about it.  They have you ask three simple questions about your supplement.

1.  What are the product ingredients?
2.  What is the dosage of the ingredients?
3.  Is it a quality product and is it right for me?

Good questions to ask yourself if you are going to use supplements.  The Ingredients that they use are clinically studied and also scientifically recognized in supporting healthy blood sugar balance. The key to working your Diabetic life and the maintenance of healthy blood sugar is also exercise, healthy diet, Nutrition,  and Knowledge.   They guarantee the product or your money back. Below is the link to there page to read more information on the product.
Source:  http://ww.nuturna.com/Diabetes/?gclid=COrjiPqv9rgCFS3hQgod1TUALw

At Supplement-Geek.Com  there is an article on Glucosulin  weight loss supplement.  Here is the link to that article and remember as it says to always consult your physician or health care professional regarding the supplements interactions with other medications.
Source:  http://supplement-geek.com/glucosulin-weight-loss-supplement-review/

Medifast has a weight loss program for those of us with Diabetes.  They offer a plan along with health shakes and diet options.  There goal is to offer you different meals with the options of over 70 different choices.  They are looking to help you lose weight while still maintaining proper nutrition and balance your blood sugars.
Source:  http://www.medifastmedia.com/med/docs/diabetes_guide.pdf

Honestly there is more out there than we really think there is.  Including Hypnosis and Bariatric Surgeries.  If we choose to to use any of these options please take the time to do research, find out what the options are and the best plan of action for you.  Remember Diabetics are prone to dropping blood glucose, we don't heal very fast if we have injuries, and all these things can stress our bodies out.  So we need to really talk about it with our physicians.  We always want to take care of ourselves and each other.

If you have an idea about a blog or a suggestion for a topic or if you are interested in writing one.  Contact me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Together we can continue to progress and become healthier Diabetics.

Diabetic Day: Its no Joke Glutten Free is the Way to go for Diab...

Diabetic Day: Its no Joke Glutten Free is the Way to go for Diab...: When I was about 27 years old I became very sick and didn't understand why.  I was losing weight despite that I was pregnant with my d...

Its no Joke Glutten Free is the Way to go for Diabetics. Why?

When I was about 27 years old I became very sick and didn't understand why.  I was losing weight despite that I was pregnant with my daughter.  I couldn't keep food down and of course I was having some intestinal issues as well.  I ended up in the hospital prior to her birth and they began doing some checking when they discove red I had Celiac Disease.  Doctor says to me that I can no longer have things made with wheat, rye, barley.  My heart sunk.  I was trying to figure out what was next for me to eat.

I wasn't really sure about what it is that causes Celiac Disease and how it worked in my body.  I will give you an explanation on what it is exactly and show you how it works in your body.  I will also be writing about the links between Celiac Disease and Diabetes.   

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.




When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging or destroying villi—the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine. Villi normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food one eats.

Source:  http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/#what

Celiac disease is genetic, meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered—or becomes active for the first time—after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress. 

It is considered a Malabsorption problem.  Nutrients are not able to be absorbed by the intestines through the villi so our bodies can be healthy. 


Adults are less likely to have digestive symptoms and may instead have one or more of the following:

• unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
• fatigue
• bone or joint pain
• arthritis
• bone loss or osteoporosis
• depression or anxiety
• tingling numbness in the hands and feet
• seizures
• missed menstrual periods
• infertility or recurrent miscarriage
• canker sores inside the mouth
• an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis

You may develope these other types of Disease or have one or more of these other Diseases:

• type 1 diabetes
• autoimmune thyroid disease
• autoimmune liver disease
• rheumatoid arthritis
• Addison's disease, a condition in which the glands that produce critical hormones are damaged
• Sjögren's syndrome, a condition in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed

These diseases often go hand in hand and are usually related to not having good or healthy nutrition from Celiac Disease and its Malabsorption problems.
 http://www.eatright.org  use this link for a complete guide to eat a healthy gluten free diet.

Now that we have a better understanding of what the cause and symptoms are how does it relate to you and me as Diabetics.  It seems it is more apt to be a disease that can often go hand in hand with type 1 Diabetes.  It is often diagnosed in children with Diabetes.  Here is what one article states about that.

Evidence of Celiac disease is present in a high percentage of children at the time of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and these individuals typically develop Celiac disease within 4 years of their diabetes diagnosis. In contrast, autoimmune thyroid disease typically follows the diagnosis of diabetes by an average of 10 years. Thus, screening for Celiac disease should be considered early in young individuals with diabetes, whereas screening for thyroid disease should be considered for decades after diabetes diagnosis.

Source:  http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/2/85.full

There is no real answer at this time if it is a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes, but the studies are still continued in answers about Celiac Disease and the affects on the body.  I am wondering at this point if I was not a Diabetic possibly  type 1 When I was a young girl told that I was Borderline Diabetic at the age of  11.  I suggest that if you have been told this at a young age you should follow up with your physician as an Adult and let them know of all your juvenile health issues. 

There are things that if you are being diagnosed with them as adults can loop back to a possible diagnosis as a juvenile that may have been missed.  It really hasn't been until recently that they have got better tests to diagnose Celiac Disease and Diabetes has come along way from 20 or 30 years ago. 

Always consult with your health care professional if you notice things that become different to you.  Make notes and keep track of issues. 

I hope this article has helped you in understanding Celiac Disease.  There are many products out there now that are Gluten Free.  There are many recipe sites for those who will be cooking Gluten free.  Type Gluten Free Recipes into your browser and go from there the possibilities are endless.

Here is to you all and your quest to be healthier better informed Diabetics.  If you have any questions or idea's for a blog and if you just want to communicate with me connect at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com

Diabetic Day: Sex and the Diabetic, No it's not a Movie it's Rea...

Diabetic Day: Sex and the Diabetic, No it's not a Movie it's Rea...: Lets face it having Diabetes takes away the hey babe ya wanna excitement.  It isn't that you don't want to, more like your urges m...

Sex and the Diabetic, No it's not a Movie it's Real Talk

Lets face it having Diabetes takes away the hey babe ya wanna excitement.  It isn't that you don't want to, more like your urges might not be there as they were before.  Sometimes you just become depressed and other times your medication or complications can play a part in why you don't want some. 

Each of these factors can play a part in what is physiologically happening inside of your body and to your emotions and mental state.  Take for instance Depression.  Often in Depression you feel as though your tired and sad and things just are not worth the effort if you can even find enough energy to make an effort.  You may be sleepy and want to sleep much of the time and things that used to be fun and exciting may no longer make you feel the same way. 

If you are taking medications for your Diabetes and it's complications often the medications have side affects so make sure to read them or ask your Pharmacist about the side affects.  Talk to your doctor and let him or her know what is going on with you.  Heart medications can interrupt things in the body, and Diabetic Neuropathy affects many part of your body including female and male parts.  Sensation that would create feelings to help are often just nil or non existant.  Blood flow is often slowed down because of damage done to the cardiovascular issues that Diabetics often deal with from complications of the disease making it harder to obtain erections for men and stimulation to the clitoral area for women.

It isn't something you really want to talk about very often as a Diabetic, but it is a very real thing that happens to many of us.  It is a sensitive subject but one you need to speak about to your spouse and to your health care professionals.  There are numerous things that you can do for yourself and things that you can do for each other.  Doctors also have some things they can discuss with you.  Don't be afraid to discuss your Sex Life with your spouse and your healthcare professional, great things can be accomplished to help the situation.

I am going to post some really good information regarding this and remember it isn't just because someone has no need for it or want but that there can be many things affecting the why's of  Diabetes interrupting yours or a spouses sex life.

Evidence of Neuropathy in your feet may mean that nerves in other parts of your body are affected as well, possibly affecting your sexual functioning.
Source:  http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/sexual-health/when-diabetes-affects-your-sex-life/all/

There’s a lot you can do on your own, too, to improve your sex life, whether you are able to actually change your physical functioning or simply learn new ways to enjoy what you have. 
Source:  http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/sexual-health/when-diabetes-affects-your-sex-life/all/

10 sex tips for Diabetics
http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/diabetes/10-sex-tips-for-diabetics

Sexual problems in women are also common although not always reported. It is estimated that one third of women may have problems with sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and the ability to reach orgasm.

 Sexual problems in men with diabetes are common with over half of men being impacted. Age and the progression of the disease both increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and low testosterone, the two most common sexual health issues.

Source:  http://healthpages.org/self-care/sex-diabetes/

There are things we as Diabetics can do to help ourselves get through a difficult period in our Disease, but remember the Disease doesn't just affect us it affects our mates as well.  Talking a direct communication with your mate will make it easier to find solutions and answers to these all to often common issues Diabetics have with Sex.  Keep open communication flowing it will help resolve any issues you may be having in your relationship.

There are so many great articles out there.  Just open up your web browser and ask the questions.  It will have several answers for you but most of them are very common facts and will answer your questions quite well.  Don't forget to speak to your healthcare professional, ask if they are comfortable in discussing the physical aspects of what your Disease may be creating for you, if not ask them if they have suggestions on who to speak to about it.  The only questions that are not good questions are those that don't get asked.

If you have comments or a blog Idea, if you have a subject you want to discuss or just a question please feel free to connect with me at diabetic.day2013@gmail.com.  Together we can make us knowledgeable about our Diabetes and we can share and help each other in our journey.